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Belfast to light up for Christmas on Saturday 16 November

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This year’s countdown to Christmas will begin with the annual lights switch-on at Belfast City Hall on Saturday 16 November.

Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Micky Murray will be joined on stage by comperes Pete Snodden, Rebecca McKinney and Paulo Ross from Cool FM’s breakfast show for a packed programme of entertainment for all the family.

Tickets will be available from visitbelfast.com on a first-come-first-served basis from 10am on Tuesday 5 November, with a second release of tickets available from 7pm on the same evening. There will be a limit of five tickets per booking.

Looking ahead to this year’s entertainment programme, Councillor Murray said: “This year’s Christmas lights switch-on promises to be a fantastic evening of family fun to get everyone into the Christmas spirt and officially kick-start the festive period.

“We are packing a variety of performances into an hour-long programme including music from talented local singer-songwriter Sasha Samara representing the Oh Yeah Music Centre, carols from Finaghy Primary School and Christmas songs from Ballyhackamore Rock Choir.

 

“We’ll also have acrobatic thrills and skills from Tumble Circus, a performance from The MAC’s Christmas pantomime ‘The Adventures of Red Riding Hood’, a routine from Belvoir Players Theatre Academy’s production of ‘Frosted’, plus bagpipes from the current Ireland under 13 bagpipe champion!

 

“The day also sees the opening of the popular Belfast Christmas Market at 12 noon and the start of a six-week festive entertainment programme in our Winter’s Den at 2 Royal Avenue. It will host activities and events for all ages including choir performances, Santa’s post office, tea dances, art workshops, sensory activities, a doggie fashion show, silent discos and much more.”

Stuart Robinson, Content Director Bauer Media NI: “We’re absolutely delighted to partner with Belfast City Council for this year’s Christmas Lights Switch-On! Christmas is a particularly special time for our radio stations – Cool FM’s ‘Cash for Kids Mission Christmas’ campaign aims to ensure every child in Northern Ireland receives a gift on Christmas morning and over on Downtown Radio we flip our entire music format to Christmas songs for the month of December – so it’s fitting that our presenters will help officially kick off the festive season in our city!”

The switch-on event on Saturday 16 November will last around an hour, with gates opening at 6pm and the event starting at 6.30pm. There will be road closures in effect in the city centre from earlier in the afternoon, so those attending are encouraged to use public transport and allow extra time for their journeys.

Tickets for the wheelchair accessible viewing platform can be booked in person at the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre or by calling 028 9024 6609 on Tuesday 5 November from 10am. These are limited to two per booking.

For full details of the switch-on event and other festive events in Belfast city centre and beyond, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/christmas

Celebrate Ulster-Scots Language and Heritage at ‘Leid and Lairn’

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The Leid and Lairn Festival, happening in Ards and North Down throughout November, is a celebration of the rich language, culture, and history of the Ulster-Scots tradition. The festival provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Ulster-Scots, from its language and powerful folklore to its influential role in shaping local history.

Organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council, the programme offers a vibrant mix of events that showcase the depth and beauty of Ulster-Scots heritage through music, poetry, storytelling, and historical walks and an exhibition. Taking place across the Borough, the events offer something for everyone.

Highlights of the festival include Stories and Songs of the Seanchaí at Portico, Portaferry on Saturday 2 November. Join folksinger, songwriter and storyteller Colin Urwin for some beautiful ballads and rhyming monologues. Steeped in a lifetime of traditions of his beloved Glens of Antrim, Colin has long been exposed to traditional Irish and Scottish music, song and story. He is most inspired by the people, places, the history and legends and the sheer, rugged romance of the northeast coast of Ireland. From these conjure up many of his beautiful ballads, magical monologues and delicately woven tales of wonder. Tickets cost £10.

NI Opera will present From Old to New: Ulster Scots Songs at Ards Arts Centre on Wednesday 13 November. This lunchtime concert will explore how Ulster Scots song has changed over time, performed by mezzo soprano Carolyn Dobbin and pianist Tristan Russcher, who will lead you on a path through the evolutions of Ulster-Scots songs across an hour of beautiful song and fascinating musical insights. Tickets cost £6, including tea / coffee and shortbread.

Speaking about the programme, Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Arts and Heritage Manager, Emily Crawford said: “We are delighted to offer the first Leid and Lairn festival for the borough of Ards and North Down. There’s lots of exciting events on offer over the next month and in particular through stories and song we hope to engage, educate and entertain attendees on the importance and rich cultural heritage of the Ulster-Scots tradition.”

Tickets are on sale now and can be booked online at ANDCulture.org.uk, or in person at Ards Arts Centre, North Down Museum, or any of the Ards and North Down Visitor Information Centres.

To view the full programme, visit; www.andculture.org.uk

Children’s cancer charity invites you to their Twilight Concert

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Cancer Fund for Children provides vital support to children, young people and families impacted by cancer. On Thursday 21st November, they are hosting a special Twilight Concert in the iconic St Anne’s Cathedral to raise money towards their vital services with the help of event sponsors, Power NI and Causeway Securities.

Pictured at the iconic St. Anne’s Cathedral (l-r) Helen Patterson, Community Therapeutic Services Manager at Cancer Fund for Children, The Dean of Belfast Cathedral, the Very Rev Stephen Forde, Victoria Warwick, representative of Irish vocal band Ardú, award-winning journalist, Holly Hamilton and Cancer Fund for Children’s Care Free Choir Conductor, Peter Moreland.

Nestled in the flickering glow of candlelight, attendees will be treated to a mesmerising evening of music and connection with performances by the wonderful ARCO String Quarter, Ireland’s premiere vocal band Ardú and the charity’s own Care Free Choir made up of families supported by the charity, staff and volunteers. This event will also be hosted by award-winning journalist, Holly Hamilton.

Speaking on this, William Steele, Managing Director of Power NI said:

“Power NI are delighted to be supporting Cancer Fund for Children’s Twilight Concert for a second year in a row. Cancer Fund for Children does tremendously valuable work across Northern Ireland for those young people diagnosed with cancer, their families and their communities. We look forward to November 21st and what promises to be a wonderful night for a great cause.”

After experiencing their own childhood cancer diagnosis, the McMillan family were supported by Cancer Fund for Children and will be performing at the event as part of the Care Free Choir.

Speaking on their involvement, they said:

“Choir gives us a chance to come together with other families that have been through similar situations. It allows us to support each other as a group through laughter and music and to celebrate our successes and process our tougher moments together as a choir family.”

Each week in Northern Ireland, approximately 3 children and young people (aged 0-24) are diagnosed with cancer. Purchasing tickets to this event will help fund Cancer Fund for Children’s vital services so they can be there for families when they need them most.

Tickets can be purchased on the charity’s website today where you can also find out more about this organisation and how you can support. Visit https://cancerfundforchildren.com/event/twilight-concert/.

Healing Through Laughter And Play: Arts Care Clown Doctors Celebrate 20th Birthday At Ulster Hospital

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Mirth and merriment were the orders of the day on the Ulster Hospital’s Paediatric Wards as The Artscare NI Clown Doctors marked 20 years with children, families and staff.

The ‘clown doctors’ are a core troupe of actors, performers, musicians and dancers who have undertaken bespoke ‘clown doctoring’ training and visit sick children in hospital and hospice settings to brighten their day through creative play and fun.

14-year-old Lucie Frame described how much the Clown Doctors had “cheered” her up as she had plans to go away over the weekend. “The Clown Doctors came in and really cheered me up,” said Lucy. “They are really funny and my Dad was even joking around with them and they made me feel better.”

Founding member Paul Taylor, otherwise known to children and young people on the hospital wards as ‘Dr Clooless’ explained how much 20 years bringing joy and laughter meant to him and the team. “I want to say thanks to the Ulster Hospital for allowing us to come and entertain and meet the children these past 20 years. I even have ‘Clown Doctor’ down as my profession on my children’s birth certificates,” Paul laughed. “We work so well with the hospital Play Specialists and the staff here, we are a big team here. We like to think we bring a different atmosphere onto the ward and I know how anxious you can get on a hospital ward, I’ve been here with my own children. As Clown Doctors, we hope that the children and young people can build a relationship with us.”

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt was onhand to congratulate the Clown Doctors on their milestone. “For 20 years the Clown Doctors’ service has been helping children who may be worried or nervous in hospital and they must be praised for the work they have done and continue to do, and the joy they bring, not only to the children, but also the families.

“I know Artscare as a charity is committed to enhancing the lives of individuals in healthcare and community settings through the transformative power of the arts, and its vision is to ensure that everyone across Northern Ireland has the opportunity to experience the positive health and wellbeing benefits that creative engagement brings and in settings such as this that has to be encouraged. The large number of interactions and sessions the Clown Doctors have had last year, and this year is a testament to the excellent work you do and the impacts you have for the children, their families and the staff in the wards.”

Ulster Hospital Healthcare Play Specialist Sharon Pauley described how she and the team were “honoured” to host the momentous birthday celebrations. “We have had the pleasure of having the Clown Doctors on our Paediatric Ward since they started. We were the first Trust to host the Clown Doctors Programme.

“It is a great honour for us to be able to kick off their celebrations here at the Ulster Hospital and it’s great for them to showcase their incredible work to the Health Minister and our Chief Executive Roisin Coulter and Chairman Jonathan Patton.

Sharon continued, “The Clown Doctors have provided an amazing service over the years for the children and they are amazing at engaging the children, young people and parents that are in our care. They promote mental health and well-being and have such a positive impact on people’s mood on the ward. They say that ‘laughter is the best medicine’ and we have seen that in action thanks to the Clown Doctors.”

Barry Macaulay, CEO/Artistic Director Arts Care said, “This year, we proudly celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Arts Care Clown Doctors in Northern Ireland. These highly trained professional performers use the art of clowning to bring joy, comfort, and relief to children and young people who are anxious, vulnerable, or unwell.

“Through playful interactions and imaginative storytelling, our Clown Doctors Dr Muddle, Dr Clooless, Dr Fizz, Dr Dapper, and Dr Twinkle create magical moments in healthcare settings, from hospital bedsides to waiting rooms across all five Trusts.
“Currently, Arts Care are commissioned directly by the Department of Health to deliver these vital services and supported by occasional Trust charitable fund contributions.

“However, with creative health funding due to transfer directly to the Trusts by March 2025, the future of our Clown Doctors’ service is uncertain.
“We are hopeful that the Trusts will recognise the profound impact our Clown Doctors have such as opening doors to imaginative worlds and offering much-needed moments of respite and joy.”

Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland Roisín McDonough, added, “Anyone who has witnessed the extraordinary, uplifting work of the Arts Care Clown Doctors will recognise how effective the arts are at helping sick children and their families and carers cope with the complex range of emotions they may experience during their stay in hospital. In these situations a little happiness goes a very long way.

“The work of these professionally-trained Arts Care performers, supporting the clinical and nursing staff, is one of the most heartening examples I know of, of how the arts can make a very real and meaningful difference to people’s wellbeing and quality of life, in what can otherwise be anxious and stressful situations.”

Women In Tech Organisation, Founded By Co Down Entrepreneur, TechFoundHer Launches in the US

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Women in tech organisation TechFoundHer has launched in America participating in a series of high profile events in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area focused on advancing equity in tech entrepreneurship for women. 

TechFoundHer was founded by County Down entrepreneur Máirin Murray who is on a mission to unlock the potential of women to start and lead tech companies for the benefit of the Irish economy delivering programmes to build tech and product skills whilst advocating for entrepreneur equality and system change. 

Earlier this year Máirin worked with LA producer Catherine Gray, of award winning movie Show Her The Money, to premiere the groundbreaking documentary in Dublin and Belfast as part of the TechFoundHer roadshow. Now it’s TechFounderHer’s turn to cross the Atlantic and head stateside.

Máirin said: “The opportunity to bring TechFoundHer to America is a fantastic endorsement for our organisation and recognition of the hard work and dedication of our wider team and network.

“Being able to strengthen our work locally by reaching out globally is an important part of the work we do behind the scenes.”

Following the success of the Irish tour, producer Catherine Gray invited Máirin to launch TechFoundHer in LA by co-hosting their InnovateHer Too event earlier this month.

The round table event brought together a group of thought leaders, tech entrepreneurs and advocates to tackle a critical issue in the global tech ecosystem: the underrepresentation of women starting and leading tech companies. 

The event, co-hosted by Máirin on behalf of TechFoundHer, Lata Setty (a serial tech entrepreneur and pioneering investor dedicated to transforming the venture capital industry) and Catherine Gray (founder of She Angels investors and Show Her The Money producer) focused on developing strategies to empower more women to launch and scale their own tech ventures. 

Máirin explained: “I was delighted to get the opportunity to co-host this event and work with a group of enthusiastic and passionate women who are committed to changing the tech world for women entrepreneurs.

“The event allowed us to discuss some of the key systemic challenges women encounter whilst sharing our own current projects and experiences.”

Máirin was also a key speaker at the Show Her The Money 100 City Worldwide Tour Finale in West Hollywood, as part of the international powerhouse women panel discussing the landscape for women founders in Ireland and throughout the rest of the UK and Europe with the audience.

She said: “This is our moment! There is an opportunity for women founders regardless of background to harness the power of tech to innovate and scale businesses. It’s an incredible time with women innovators and investors working together to organise globally so women entrepreneurs have the opportunity to fully contribute”

“We hear the same excuses over and over again—that women aren’t applying for funding or that there’s a lack of scalable ideas coming from women.  The ‘pipeline’ excuse doesn’t wash. We are working to create a tidal wave of women entrepreneurs who are building tech solutions. “ 

“We’re dealing with entrenched stereotypes of what an ‘investable’ founder looks like—what a tech entrepreneur looks like – often a young, white, tech-savvy male. But women tech founders are here, we’re innovating, and we’re ambitious. What we need is the funding and an ecosystem that enables us to thrive.”

TechFoundHer concludes its US tour in the Bay area of San Francisco this week at a think tank hosted by Lata Setty of How Women Invest “The New Table”. Máirin was the guest speaker at the  event with tech leaders and investors focussed on bringing TechFoundHer’s mission to the US and driving equity for women tech entrepreneurs.

Speaking about why she hosted the event Lata said:  “It’s time to break barriers and reimagine women in tech. Máirín Murray, Founder of TechFoundHer and Innovation Labs champions connection, capital and community across the British Isles, and is now bringing her “Mairin Magic” to America to embolden female tech ‘treps navigate the tech world with grit and grace.”

Speaking at the reception Mairin added “The ability to innovate, the ambition to build, and the commitment to succeed are spread across all genders, yet funding remains overwhelmingly skewed in favour of men.

“Women tech founders are here, and we are ready, but we are not being seen. As a result, we are not progressing at the same rate as our male counterparts. The time for excuses is over.”

The TechFoundHer American launch comes on the back of TechFoundHer’s latest programme launch. 

The Innovation Labs programme which is funded through the Shared Island initiative, a collaboration supported by InterTradeIreland, Invest Northern Ireland, and Enterprise Ireland, began earlier this month and will see 35 women entrepreneurs from both Ireland and Northern Ireland learn how to leverage emerging technologies such as AI, low-code/no-code tools,  to overcome business challenges, optimise workflows, and accelerate product development. 

“The Innovation Labs programme isn’t just for women who have tech industry experience, it will support all women regardless of their tech knowledge. We’re  busting the myths surrounding the idea that you need to be able to code to start a company that creates a tech driven product or service” explained Máirin.

For more information go to techfoundher.com

Primal Scream – The Come Ahead Tour, Belfast

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Ahead of the release of their first studio album in eight years, Come Ahead, Glaswegian legends Primal Scream have announced details of their upcoming UK/EU tour, which includes a show in the Ulster Hall Belfast on 14 April 2025.

Tickets on sale Friday 1 November at 10am

The Come Ahead Tour marks Primal Scream’s anticipated live return after 2022’s Screamadelica Live and 2023 headline summer shows were rapturously received. The band’s headline performance at Crystal Palace’s South Facing Festival was described as “a powerful, emotionally charged performance” by The Telegraph in a five-star review.

Come Ahead finds Primal Scream’s principal songwriter, vocalist and frontman Bobby Gillespie preparing to release some of the most personal songwriting of his band’s career. The songwriting process for Come Ahead began in 2022, at which point Bobby Gillespie had no idea if he would make another Primal Scream album again. For the first time in a long time, the lyrics came before the music. The story came first. Bobby wrote alone, using an acoustic guitar. Ideas flowed fast, in long bursts of inspiration. This process, in tandem with encouragement from producer David Holmes, provided a new way in. Working with Holmes and Primal Scream guitarist Andrew Innes, the Come Ahead sessions were completed between Belfast, London and Los Angeles.

The time that’s elapsed since Primal Scream’s previous album has seen Bobby Gillespie at his most prolific. Shapeshifting between some of the most celebrated projects of his career whilst steadily stockpiling the songs that would become Come Ahead. His 2021 memoir Tenement Kid was selected as Rough Trade’s Book of the Year, and won the NME Award for Best Music Book. The band’s era-defining Screamadelica album celebrated its 30th anniversary with huge sold-out gigs across the UK, including London’s Alexandra Palace. Gillespie teamed with Paul Weller writing lyrics for ‘Soul Wandering’, the first single from his latest album 66, and collaborated with Jehnny Beth in Paris writing and recording an entire album of duets titled Utopian Ashes. Bobby also collaborated with acid house duo Paranoid London, singing on their new song ‘People (Ah Yeah)’, and composed his first movie soundtrack for the 2023 cinematic release Five Hectares with French filmmaker Émilie Deleuze. Bobby also sings on six new songs on the forthcoming Peter Perrett album, The Cleansing. This myriad of new creative projects provided the vital space for Come Ahead to take shape.

Connect with Primal Scream

Instagram / X / Website / Spotify

 

10 things to do in Northern Ireland this Halloween!

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Here are ten exciting things to do 28 October – 3 November

 

  1. Derry Halloween, 28 – 31 October. Every Halloween, the city of Derry~Londonderry comes alive with ancient spirits welcoming you to join its Awakening. Be part of Europe’s largest Halloween Festival as the Walled City welcomes the spirit of Samhain through its historic gates for a festival like no other. For four nights from October 28 –31 the worlds of past and present collide to create a dazzling street celebration of all things spooky, showcasing the folklore, history and heritage that makes the city so special.
  2. Halloween Fireworks Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 31 October. Join the grand finale of their Halloween Festival with an enchanting parade followed by a spectacular fireworks display. The parade will have the spooky train, puppets, dancers and more. This will be followed by fun activities in the town centre including free face painting, free ice cream, Party Bees characters and the amazing DJ Bob. Then enjoy something to eat and drink in town, before making your way to the Broadmeadow for the return of the Spectacular Firework display.
  3. Freaky Fun Farm at Fermanagh Fun Farm & Granny Flo’s Cafe, Lisbellaw, County Fermanagh, 19 – 30 October. Don’t miss Freaky Fun Farm for a Halloween experience of laughter, fear and prizes. During your experience you’ll get to enjoy the pumpkin patch field and carving shed, games to win some creepy prizes, or join the local witch at her spooky cinema to watch her favourite scary programme. Jump on board the terrifying train trail and dare to travel with their haunted character to meet some of his fiendish friends along the way. Check availability as some dates are fully booked.
  4. Drive-In Cinema at Let’s Go Hydro, Belfast, 21 October – 3 November. Get into the Halloween spirit at Let’s Go Hydro with drive-in showings of iconic spooky films like Hocus Pocus and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Enjoy the ultimate seasonal experience as you sit back and watch from the comfort of your car, with delicious pizza delivered right to your door. It’s the perfect way to celebrate Halloween in style!
  5. Supernatural October Half-Term at WWT Castle Espie, Comber, County Down, 26 – 31 October. Explore the supernatural this October half-term and discover activities that show just how super wetland nature can be. From wildlife spotting and bug hunting to wand-making and storytelling, the wetlands are bubbling over with magic. Also check out Mrs Maker’s Spooky Masquerade Art Workshop at WWT Castle Espie.
  6. Halloween Bug Hunt at The Argory, Moy, County Armagh, 28 – 31 October. Come and experience a creepy crawly half-term at The Argory. Spooky spiders and creepy crawlies are usually hidden away at The Argory, but this half-term they’ve come out and taken over.
  7. Halloween at Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, 28 – 31 October. Listen to tales of lore and misfortune, give barn dancing a go, dress up as a scarecrow, and taste delicious Halloween fayre like barmbrack and apple tart. Get involved with crafts, face-painting, and family-friendly activities plus a Halloween trail for little ones to follow.
  8. Samhain: Search for the Seven Sisters, Davagh Forest, County Tyrone, 1 November. Experience Samhain at OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory this Halloween, as they take you on a walk through the darkness of Davagh forest in search of the Seven Sisters. Your journey continues with a return to OM for a special Samhain-themed outdoor film projection. If the skies are clear, there will also be an opportunity to observe the stunning Pleiades star cluster through a telescope.
  9. Halloween at Ulster Folk Museum, Holywood, County Down, 29 – 31 October. Discover the origins, traditions and customs of the spookiest time of year. Watch traditional turnip carving demonstrations, get hands-on at the Halloween craft stations and listen to tales of Jack O Lantern in the RIC Barracks. Come along to learn about traditional folk cures and remedies and wonder at their magical crafts and curiosities (Halloween day only). You might even discover what the future holds for you in a cabbage reading at Coradreenan Farmhouse.
  10. Finn’s Frightful Fun Fest, Bushmills, County Antrim, 31 October. Spend this Halloween at Northern Ireland’s iconic World Heritage Site as their resident, ferocious giant hosts his Frightful Fun Fest at the Giant’s Causeway. Join Programming and Partnerships Officer, Keith for a series of special, spooktacular guided tours to hear unnerving stories of the lost spirits of the Causeway Coast. Enjoy face painting, a treasure hunt, creepy crafts and more.

 

Tickets are running out fast, so please book in advance. For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com.

CHRISTMAS AT THE CATHEDRAL WITH MALACHI CUSH

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Christmas at the Cathedral returns to Armagh on Thursday 12 and Friday 13 December for the eighth year to celebrate the true essence of Christmas through the beauty of music and song.

The sacred surroundings of St Patrick’s Cathedral will come alive with the stirring melodies of renowned folk and spiritual artist Malachi Cush. Malachi will be joined by acclaimed baritone Karl McGuckin, Armagh’s own vocal gem Eilis Fox, and the talented choir from St Catherine’s College.

Accompanied by a full chamber orchestra, Christmas at the Cathedral promises to usher in the Christmas season with grandeur and grace in one of the most majestic of settings.

Speaking of Christmas at the Cathedral, Malachi said: “Of all the performances I’m blessed to take part in during the festive season, Christmas at the Cathedral is by far my favourite. The event holds such a special place in my heart as it provides the audience with the opportunity to get together with friends and family in a breathtaking venue to sit back and pause while soaking in the true spirit of Christmas. The heartwarming musical arrangements, whether they be familiar carols or moving solos, are designed to evoke cherished memories of Christmas past while creating new memories to take into the future.

“I am looking forward to sharing the stage again with my dear friend Karl McGuckin, who needs no introduction, and to welcome the enchanting Eilis Fox, whose distinctive voice is one of Armagh’s treasures. The vibrant voices of the choir from St Catherine’s College will add a youthful and uplifting energy to the evening and I have no doubt that the audience will leave the concert filled with the magic of Christmas.”

As Ambassador for St Vincent de Paul in the Northern Region, Malachi has chosen to support SVP with a donation from the event on Friday 13 December with St Patrick’s Cathedral benefiting on Thursday.

Tickets for Christmas at the Cathedral are priced at £22.50 and are available now online at: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/christmasatthecathedral/

Ards Puppet Festival Celebrates the Animal Kingdom this Half Term!

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Come along to Ards Puppet Festival in Ards Arts Centre, Newtownards on Sunday 27 and Monday 28 October, for lots of puppet family fun!  The Autumn-themed festival, organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council, will welcome a packed programme celebrating animals of all shapes and sizes, through puppetry performances, workshops, and even a Puppet Petting Farm!

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of puppetry with Sea Legs Puppet Theatre’s gentle, musical retelling of The Ugly Duckling, where you’ll meet the Story Man and a host of other colourful characters. Join Henry Clutterback and The Musicians of Bremen on an exciting new journey filled with friendship and bravery. Keep an eye out for the wolf in Banyan Puppet Theatre’s classic rendition of Red Riding Hood and get ready for plenty of fun when Granny hosts a sleepover in the brand-new show Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite!

Over both days, festival-goers can enjoy Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre’s lively performance of Billy Goats Gruff and Professor Queen-Bee’s It’s Bee-Hind You, a Punch and Judy-style show with a ‘green’ twist. Handmade Theatre Company will charm audiences with their Puppet Petting Farm, where families can interact with handcrafted animal puppets. Children can also participate in puppet-making workshops to create their own characters.

Speaking about the festival, Arts Community Development Officer, Amy McKelvey said: “We are thrilled to be presenting a variety of puppet talent at this year’s festival and can’t wait to welcome families to Ards Arts Centre for a truly magical event which will appeal to young and old alike.” 

 

With a mix of bookable shows and free activities, Ards Puppet Festival promises two-days of fun for the whole family. The festival takes place from 27 – 28 October in Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards.

To view the full programme and to book tickets, go to: https://puppetfestival.andculture.org.uk/whats-on

Nostalgia To Take Centre Stage At Next Month’s Big Marketing Meet Up

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The third bi-annual Big Marketing Meet Up event is set to feature several speeches from fantastic big-hitters in the sector, including four recently announced professionals, all of whom have links to the spotlight.

Taking place inside of the ICC, Belfast on November 14, ticket holders will be treated to plenty of networking, learning and development opportunities.

Known for offering brilliant line-ups, the day-long feat provides talks on everything from topical issues faced by marketers to future projections on how the industry is likely to change. 

Kicking off the newly announced line-up, Abigail Dixon is an award-winning marketer and marketing consultant boasting more than two decades’ worth of experience in growing brands. She is the founder, author and podcast host of The Whole Marketer.

The Marketing Week columnist devotes her career to ensuring that any brands, businesses and individuals she works with are granted both fulfilling and successful careers, with her speech promising to shine a light on how this can be achieved.

Highlighting the ever-changing sector, and the imperative talents needed to make it big, Abigail said: “Marketing has evolved in the last decade from a support function to the one leading or starting to the long term commercial agenda of the organisation. 

“Therefore, as marketers to stand in our power, we need to develop a holistic set of skills to grow the brand and businesses of tomorrow.”

Also appearing on November 14, David Levin will delve into the unlikely life behind the scenes of celebrities, namely the experiences of famous faces’ marketers. 

Explaining what attendees can expect from his entertaining talk, David said: “Having spent most of this year managing the socials for a sportsperson of the legendary variety, I will make my BMMU debut with a deep-dive into the things we can all learn from the sports sector on social media. 

“The presentation will tackle areas such as authenticity, iconic writing and creative community management.

“I will look at how Cristiano Ronaldo amassed a billion followers, how Olympic medalists from NI broke the internet and how weird it is posting as a sports legend while you’re in the cheese aisle at Sainsbury’s.”

Samantha Kelly is the third speaker to be announced by BMMU organisers, a name which many amongst the social media will already be well-acquainted with thanks to her 70,000 followers and authored title ‘The Little Book of Twitter Magic’.

Dubbed as one of the top X (formerly known as Twitter) experts, Samantha is proficient in all forms of social media strategy, helping businesses stand out in an ever-saturated sector, including creating a curated community.

Completing the celebrity-focused schedule is none other than Hollywood child star and famed actress Alison Arngrim, who most notably featured in the show Little House on the Prairie.

Appearing on the 50th anniversary of the show, Alison will join BMMU to chat with Social Media Strategist Samantha Kelly about the power of nostalgia in social media.

She said: “This is the craziest thing in the world, shockaroo, I’m Irish and I’m coming for a visit home, if you’ll have me, to tell you all about playing the evil Nellie Olesen in Little House.” 

To find out more about the programme and to secure earlybird tickets, go to bmmubelfast.com

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